Frank Madzarevic

Frank Madzarevic, 72, passed away at a local hospital on October 30, 2026, following a short illness. He was born in South Milwaukee on April 19, 1954 to Serbian parents Gertrude and Slavo Madzarevic. He was a graduate of South Milwaukee High School and received his BA degree from UW-Green Bay. After being a student employee and gym rat, he was hired by UWGB athletics in 1975 and served in many roles including shot clock operator, timer, scorekeeper, referee escort, games manager for men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, director of facilities of the Phoenix Sports Center, coordinator of the corn maze, food and beverage manager of Bayfest, and program director of the Kress Events Center. On other parts of campus he enjoyed being a first responder at the Weidner Center and playing Santa Claus at the Phoenix Bookstore’s Christmas promotion for many years. He retired from UWGB in 2011 after 35 years of service.

He was a member of the UWGB Retiree’s Association Board of Directors, a member of the Kewaunee School Board, an active member of the Kewaunee County Democratic Party and a past rehabilitator for the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. He enjoyed being a fan of the Packers, Brewers, keeping the book for Green Bay East High School’s girl’s basketball teams, Kewaunee High School teams, all Phoenix teams, especially men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and cross country. He especially enjoyed getting together with friends at the Pump Room.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and many four-legged friends.

He is survived by friend and sister-he-never-had Marilyn McCarey (Pat) and her family Carly (Eric), Casey (special friend Cassie), Cody (Ayriel), Sam and Isaiah who knew him as Uncle Frank all their lives, and cousins. He is also survived by his cats Cheddar and Parmesan, many friends and thousands of Phoenix athletic alumni.

A celebration of his life will be held in the Phoenix Room of The Bar East from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2026.

If you would like to make a donation in Frank's honor, please consider supporting the UWGB Cross Country program.

A most heartfelt thank you to special friends Mike Kline, Glen Hogan and Jim Strong for their friendship and support.

Go Phoenix!